1st interview ever, what to ask them

[beachbum3]

So I have a phone interview in an hour for a Graduate Nurse position in an ER with the ER director. Its a phone interview because I'm out of state. It is my very first interview ever for a nursing position (or healthcare period) and I'm getting together a list of questions to ask. I always draw a blank in interviews, and since I've never been a nurse before, I don't really even know what to ask. I figured I'd ask about orientation, what scheduling is like, but don't know if its appropriate to ask about benefits yet. I know the ER is a 30 bed level II trauma center, so I thought I'd ask about nurse-patient ratios (or is that different for an ER?) and staffing per shift (ie how many techs, RNs, etc )

Any other thoughts on what I should ask on this interview?

[Trophywife81]

I was in almost the same place as you a few days ago...had my first-ever nursing interview (got the job, too).

Before my interview, I went online and did a google search for "nursing interview". Here are a couple of sites with good ideas for questions you should ask your potential employer:

http://career-advice.monster.com/interview-preparation/nursing/Nursing-Interview-Questions/home.aspx

http://www.nurseuniverse.com/articles/Interview_Questions.htm

Hope that helps. GOOD LUCK!

[amj12]

I'm sure I'm late in responding but here are questions I asked at my interviews:

1. How long is the preceptorship? Can it be extended depending on the individual?

2. What is the nurse to patient ratio? (It is VERY important to know this)

3. How willing are you to work around school schedules? (this is important if you are getting a BSN or for grad school)

4. Is there mandatory overtime?

5. Always end the interview asking where do you go from here. when shoudl you expect to hear back? (this lets them know you are thinking ahead)

[beachbum3]

Thanks for the replies! It went really really well, I feel like I probably got the job. The director said he really enjoyed our conversation and that he really liked what I had to say and brought up pay and benefits. Said he had 2 more people to interview on Monday and that he would call me at the end of the day on Monday and let me know. I'm feeling really good about the whole thing. I asked about orientation and scheduling.